Dealing with BIOS errors

Dealing with BIOS errors

Remember If the BIOS has the most current and compatible version, then most likely any problems

generated by the BIOS will be during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) and boot processes.

BIOS systems use two different means of notifying you of a problem during the boot sequence:

l Beep codes: The system speaker (the little one built into the system case) emits a series of short

and long tones to indicate a problem in an essential system component during the hardware phase

of the boot sequence.

l Error messages: The BIOS displays error messages on the monitor that indicate a problem has

occurred in the final stages of the boot cycle.

Unfortunately, each BIOS manufacturer has a unique set of beep codes it uses to signal boot errors.

Fortunately, the difficulty in testing on beep codes and don't expect you to memorize all

of the beep codes in the standard IBM, Award, and AMI BIOSes. The error messages issued from each different BIOS are fairly standard and generally describe the problem well enough.

Decoding the beeps Every BIOS system has one beep code in common, which is a single beep tone to indicate the end of the POST. However, a single beep tone can also mean a memory problem on the AMI (American Megatrends, Inc.) BIOS (a very popular BIOS).

Time Shaver

 Don't worry about memorizing BIOS error codes for the exam. Just understand that if an error should occur during the POST, it will be identified by the BIOS program's beep codes. Here are some general guidelines on what you should do for a few of the more common POST problems

signaled by beep codes:

l  0 beeps: If no beeps are sounded, most likely there will also be nothing displayed on the monitor.

The problem is most likely power. Make sure the PC is plugged into an AC power source. If it is,

check to see if the motherboard is getting power. Use the motherboard's documentation to locate

the Power LED connector and plug the LED wire on it. If it lights, you know the motherboard is

getting power. Otherwise, there is a problem with the power supply.

l  1 beep, 2 beeps, or 3 beeps: Reseat any newly added memory or replace the memory with known

good chips. One beep is also used to indicate a successful POST. If you hear one beep and the

boot does not continue, you have a memory problem.

Tip The term "known good" is used frequently on the exam to describe FRMs, components, and

software configurations that you absolutely, positively know to be good, working parts.

l  4 beeps, 5 beeps, 7 beeps, or 10 beeps: The motherboard has a serious problem and may need to

be replaced or sent to the manufacturer for repairs.

l 6 beeps: If the motherboard has a separate keyboard controller chip, try reseating it. If not, check

the keyboard connection and the keyboard itself. It is unlikely that the Super I/O chip in the

chipset is bad, so the problem must be with the physical components of the keyboard.

l  8 beeps: Reseat the video card and check its memory to ensure it is also seated properly on the

card. If the problem persists, replace the video card.

l  9 beeps: You need to be sure that it is 9 and not 10 or 8. This indicates a faulty BIOS chip, which

cannot be corrected by reseating the chips. Check with the motherboard supplier or the BIOS manufacturer. The BIOS may need to be updated.

Deciphering BIOS error messages

Depending on the BIOS in use, the on-screen BIOS error messages all indicate one thing--a serious

system problem. Here are examples of boot cycle error messages:

l BIOS ROM checksum error - System halted: The American Heart Association has recognized

this message as a major cause of minor heart attacks. In a nutshell, the BIOS is hosed and you

need to contact the motherboard or BIOS manufacturer for recovery procedures, if there are any.

This error could be caused by an incomplete or faulty flash upgrade and there may be recovery

procedures available.

l CMOS battery failed: The CMOS battery is dead and needs to be replaced. Of course, you will

need to re-enter the system configuration as well.

l CMOS checksum error - Defaults loaded: This message indicates that the CMOS has become

corrupt. The cause is likely a weak battery that needs to be replaced.

Instant Answer If the system clock is losing time, the cause is likely a dying CMOS battery.

Like the batteries in your room smoke detectors, the CMOS battery should be checked regularly

and replaced when weak.

l Display switch is set incorrectly: Some motherboards have a jumper that sets the type of video

display being supported. This error indicates that the jumper and the video configuration in

CMOS are different.

l Floppy disk fail: The BIOS cannot find the floppy disk controller (FDC). If the PC does not have

a floppy disk drive, set the CMOS Disk Drive value to None (or Auto). If the FDC is included in

the chipset, make sure the drive's cables are all seated properly.

l Hard disk install failure: This is a similar error to the floppy disk fail error message. The POST

cannot find or initialize the hard disk controller (HDC). Make sure the adapter card, if there is one,

is seated snuggly and that the drive cables are connected properly.

l  I/O card failure: This error indicates that an expansion card has failed or has a parity error at a

certain address.

l Keyboard error or no keyboard present: Make sure that the keyboard is attached correctly and

no keys are pressed during POST. Make sure that nothing is lying on the keyboard, such as a

book.

 l  Memory test fail: This message indicates an error was detected during memory testing. The

message should also include information about the type and location of the memory error, such as

a memory parity error at XXXX, where XXXX would be the location of the memory error.

l  Primary/Secondary master/slave hard disk fail: The POST process has detected an error in

either the primary or secondary master or slave IDE hard disk drive. Check the cabling and the

master/slave jumpers.